Ron Paul Reacts To Maine Caucus Results
Bachmann Blasts Stern Over Criticism
Jets rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez had really been struggling -- along with the rest of his team -- since a three-game winning streak to begin the season. The winning ways were a distant memory after a Week 11 loss in New England, though, as the Jets fell to 4-6. During that stretch, Sanchez threw 14 interceptions. Sunday, the game plan by Rex Ryan and his coaching staff was evident: win with defense and the running game. The old-school route worked, as the Jets beat the Carolina Panthers, 17-6, in a game that was never really in doubt.
"We're rolling now and we can't think about a month ago," said Sanchez, who left for four plays after injuring his left leg. "We've got to think about now."
Sanchez wasn't given a heavy workload at all, unless you consider handing off a daunting task. He attempted just 17 passes, while Thomas Jones and Shonn Greene combined for 35 carries. More importantly, the Jets treated Sanchez with kid gloves, calling mostly easily completed pass plays, en route to him connecting on 13 of the 17 attempts. He did throw one interceptions, but the formula still worked. The only stat that matters in the end is the win, and the Jets took their record to 5-6.
"You see what happens when I play smart," Sanchez said. "I don't know how to explain it, but it works."
On the opposite side of the field, the same game plan would have been more prudent. The Panthers entered the game as one of the best rushing teams in the NFL. They did have trouble running on the stout Jets' front, but Jake Delhomme attempted 34 passes compared to 25 rushing attempts for the talented backfield duo of DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart. The result of all those passes was a mere 14 completions and 130 yards. Oh, and four interceptions and a Jets' defensive touchdown -- as super-corner Darrelle Revis took an early pick 67 yards for the game's first score.
Revis was the star of the game for his part in limiting Steve Smith to two catches and two yards, in addition to the touchdown and his two interceptions. Kerry Rhodes also picked off Delhomme twice. Thomas Jones only averaged three yards per carry, but his 75 yards kept the clock moving and the pressure off Sanchez. Jones also scored a touchdown.
Sanchez did leave the game temporarily in the second half with an apparent injury to his left knee, but he was able to return late and appeared to have shaken off the pain.
The Jets are clinging to a last gasp of air in the playoff race at 5-6. They'll look to get back to .500 next week in Toronto against an all-of-a-sudden lively Buffalo Bills team.
Carolina briefly worked themselves back into the playoff picture a few weeks ago at 4-5, but consecutive losses to AFC East teams have them looking to build toward next season. Even if they won their last five games (and good luck beating the Patriots, Vikings and Saints, all of whom are still on the docket), 9-7 likely won't be good enough this year.
Greek Protests Continue As Lawmakers Debate Severe Austerity Measures
LIVE UPDATES: 2012 Grammy Awards Show
Whitney Houston Dead At 48
Ron Paul, Rick Santorum Suggest Foul Play From Romney Campaign
TV SoundOff: Sunday Talking Heads
GOP Bill Would Strip Workers Of Overtime, Minimum Wage Protections
Mitch McConnell Not Accepting Obama Compromise
Costa Concordia Video Shows Crew Reactions To Cruise Crash
Michael Smerconish: A Response to Sean Hannity
WATCH: Nasim Pedrad As Arianna On SNL's Weekend Update
PHOTOS: 5-Year-Old Child Rescued In Kosovo Avalanche, Death Toll At 9
Syrian Forces Rocket Homs As Arab League Meets In Cairo
Blogger Faces Possible Death Penalty For Tweets
Linsanity Continues
Paul Ryan On Obama's 'Accounting Trick'
Mitt Romney Wins Maine Caucus
Sarah Palin 'Not Convinced' Of Romney's Conservatism
Mitt Romney Once Backed Provision He Now Decries
Some States Using Funds From Foreclosure Deal To Close Budget Gaps
Man Reportedly Dead After Shots Heard Near National Mall
Rick Santorum: GOP Race A 2-Man Contest
